Lisa Labree recalls the first time she met a CASA when she was working as a member of the Child Study Team at her school. She served as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDT-C) with Gloucester City Schools before she retired “down the shore”. Her student went into foster care and was fortunate to have been assigned a CASA, a retired police officer whom she got to know during the course of that school year.He described his role and advocacy work and she was inspired. Upon her retirement, she moved to Cape May County and looked up the nearest CASA office, attended an Information Session, and signed up for training.  

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Now, several years into her journey with CASA, Lisa explains her role to others in this way, “I gather information from people and agencies that are involved in the foster child’s life and build a rapport with the child. Based on this knowledge and my relationship with the child and others, I make recommendations to the court.” It’s the building relationships aspect she enjoys the most. She especially likes helping the child and advocating for their needs, knowing that she has a window into the many facets of their life so she can make informed recommendations.

 

Lisa shared, “I have cases that have involved children from infancy to young adulthood. For the younger ones, it’s been rewarding to see them adapt to their situation and watch them grow both physically and emotionally. For the older ones, it has been rewarding to work with them to become more independent and assist them with information and services they may need as they approach aging out of the system. Due to their circumstances, my involvement with these cases has lasted longer, one case as long as five years, so I get to know them. It’s been rewarding to assist them in achieving more independence, understanding of themselves, and acquiring knowledge of social services they may need into adulthood.”

 

Shannon Casula, Director of Program Services, shared this sentiment, “Lisa is a passionate advocate who has worked tirelessly on a diverse range of cases, from infants to older youth, always demonstrating a deep commitment to each child. Her passion and dedication are inspiring, and she’s a perfect example of what CASA stands for. She has truly made a tremendous difference in the lives of the kids she has supported!